Since last Wednesday, Birmingham police have investigated seven homicide cases.

Chief Roper said it appears that none of the cases are connected, and many of them appear to be "acquaintance-based," which he says are harder to prevent.

The chief said it will take more than just the police department to change the crime rates, and asked for "community support and involvement" in order to have the greatest impact when fighting crime in Birmingham.

"As a department we will do everything we can to hold the perpetrators accountable and bring them to justice," Roper said.